The Civic Voice Design Awards give communities the opportunity to nominate and recognise new buildings, restoration and public realm projects in their local area. They were introduced in 2013 following a vote by Civic Voice members to demonstrate that civic societies and other community groups will accept new development when it responds positively to the local area.

Civic Voice, the national charity for the civic movement, announced the shortlist for the third annual Civic Voice Design Awards. 18 schemes from across England were shortlisted by the expert judging panel for their high-quality design and positive impact on the local community. The awards are sponsored by British Land and Farrells.

Civic Voice Design Awards 2017 were announced on 14th July at an event in The Leadenhall Building, London attended by community groups from across England and industry professionals, Civic Voice – the national charity for the civic movement - handed out 11 awards to a variety of schemes and projects across England.

Max Farrell, chair of the Civic Voice Design Awards judging panel said, “The design of the building or scheme is just one part of the story. What matters just as much is how it was developed. These winners each reflect many of the aims and ambitions of Civic Voice. - a commitment to placemaking through a collaborative approach pulling the public, private and voluntary sector together. The Civic Voice Design Awards are showing that communities do not just want to stand at the side and complain, they want to get involved and shape the places they live in”.

The OVERALL WINNER of the Design Awards was Winchester University Chapel renovation nominated by City of Winchester Trust (see original Application). As well as being Overall Winner the Chapel also received the Historic Buildings category award.

The Judges said Winton Chapel demonstrates the potential of universities to make positive contributions to our communities, both in terms of reaching out to local communities and in bringing high quality architecture to our towns and cities. Incredibly restrained and beautifully simple, with a contemporary graphic quality and bold use of materials, architecturally, this is a fascinating
project. Its clever integration of sacred and secular spaces and beautiful detailing serves as fine example to others on how our ecclesiastical buildings can be used and adapted to meet the demands of the modern world.the winner was showcasing a public realm improvement that contributes to creating great places to live, work and enjoy.